King Xiang of the Red Chamber

Chapter 629: Daiyu's Letter
In the tea room, half an hour had passed. Sun Shaozu had already drunk three cups of tea and felt like urinating.

He had been holding it in for a while, but he didn't dare leave the palace for fear of being summoned by Zhu Jinghong. Now that he felt uncomfortable, he didn't want to hold it in anymore.

Just as he stood up and asked the eunuch on duty at the door to take him to the toilet, a young eunuch walked in first.

"General Sun, the prince invites you to the study outside the Cunxin Palace to see him!"

"please……"

Although it was extremely uncomfortable, Sun Shaozu dared not bring up the issue of Gong now that things had come to this point.

So he could only hold it in and follow the young eunuch to the depths of the palace. After passing through two doors, he arrived at the east wing of the Cunxin Hall, which was the outer study where Zhu Jinghong met guests.

Sun Shaozu was brought in, only to find that the room was still empty. Apparently he had to wait for a while.

"Master Thirteen..."

"General, wait a minute. The prince will be here soon!"

So Sun Shaozu continued to wait, without even looking at the tea that was brought back.

He now had only one thought, which was whether he should go to the bathroom now.

But he was worried that Zhu Jinghong would come, and it would be very rude of him to go to the toilet.

More than ten minutes passed while he waited. Sun Shaozu not only felt uncomfortable physically, but also felt even worse mentally. He regretted that he should have gone to the toilet just now and wasted all this time.

"General Sun, the prince invites you to the back garden to chat!"

"please!"

Sun Shaozu had no choice but to get up and follow the young eunuch deeper into the palace, thinking about what he was going to say in a while.

A few minutes later, he was led to a pavilion where Zhu Jinghong was sitting alone, with only Yu Hai serving him.

The young eunuch who led the way retreated. At this time, Zhu Jinghong was already waving to Sun Shaozu, and the latter ran quickly into the pavilion.

"Greetings to Your Highness!"

After signaling Sun Shaozu to stand up, Zhu Jinghong asked, "When did you come back?"

"Your Highness, I arrived in Beijing this morning!"

"Arrived in Beijing in the morning? Have you been home?" Zhu Jinghong was deeply surprised.

It was indeed too unusual for him to come to the palace as soon as he arrived in Beijing in the morning. After all, he was not the emperor yet.

Zhu Jinghong became even more wary of this overly flattering person.

"She went back home and brought her wife with her. Now she is meeting the princess!"

"Ok!"

"Is the journey smooth?" Zhu Jinghong asked again.

Sun Shaozu replied: "I am very happy to be able to return to Beijing. Even if there are some unpleasant things, I am willing to accept them!"

"Why do you always choose to come back after the New Year?"

Unlike the people below them, these senior generals can take turns returning to Beijing, before the New Year, in the middle of the year, or at the end of the year. Sun Shaozu always comes after the New Year.

"Everyone wants to go home and reunite before the New Year. After all, I am young and inexperienced, so..."

Sun Shaozu did not continue speaking, and Zhu Jinghong nodded slightly. Many things do not need to be explained too clearly.

Standing up, Zhu Jinghong slowly walked out of the pavilion, and Sun Shaozu immediately followed him.

At this moment, in the huge garden, there were only the two of them walking together. This was a treatment only given to absolutely trusted people, and Sun Shaozu was well aware of this.

During the conversation between the two, Zhu Jinghong focused on asking about the situation in Junggar, while Sun Shaozu gave detailed answers.

Ten minutes later, Zhu Jinghong stopped and stood by the lake and asked, "So... the two sides fought repeatedly in the Turpan area, but our army did not gain an absolute advantage?"

"That's right. Sometimes our army pushes them down, and sometimes they push back. Now they're just adding fuel to the fire... There hasn't been a battle in the past year!"

"No one is sure of defeating the enemy in one fell swoop, so no one dares to launch a general attack. If this stalemate continues... I don't know when it will end!"

Fighting on the front line was very hard. Even he, a senior general, felt uncomfortable. The officers below and even ordinary soldiers were even more complaining.

Fortunately, there is now a rotation system. The Imperial Guards and the Beijing Camp, which are the main combat forces, have been replaced many times in the past two years.

The four northern guards who had previously gone on the expedition with Zhu Jinghong were all withdrawn in the autumn of the 13th year of Zhengtong.

"They can't hold on any longer, so they sent people to the capital to negotiate!"

After discussing matters in the Northwest, Zhu Jinghong continued along the path by the lake, while Sun Shaozu followed closely behind.

"You've been working in the Northwest for almost two years. What do you think?"

This question was very crucial. Sun Shaozu sensed the opportunity in it and suddenly became excited and nervous.

What do you think? People always strive for higher goals. Of course, this is the only idea. So, Your Highness means...

With his mind racing, Sun Shaozu carefully grasped the right measure and then replied: "Your Highness has promoted me to the position of deputy commander, commanding an area of ​​troops... Whatever Your Highness asks me to do, I will do my best to do it!"

His words were a double entendre, both answering Zhu Jinghong's question and expressing his attitude towards the task assigned by Zhu Jinghong.

Sun Shaozu is capable and has a very high emotional intelligence. He is definitely a rare talent...

Talent is very important, and we will be happy when we get talents, so Zhu Jinghong smiled at this time.

Turning around, Zhu Jinghong said with certainty: "I am still very confident in your work!"

When his eyes fell on him, Sun Shaozu bent down appropriately, expressing his respect for his benefactor at all times.

"I'm going to give you some extra responsibilities...what do you think?"

Adding more responsibilities? Does His Highness have other things to do with me? Sun Shaozu's heart became excited.

As the saying goes, it's nice to lean on a big tree for shade. Now he is leaning on a towering tree, so how can he not rise to prominence... Sun Shaozu was grinning in his heart.

"As long as your Highness commands, I will go through fire and water without hesitation!"

Turning around and continuing to walk forward, Zhu Jinghong said slowly: "I have recommended you to the emperor to go to Korea and monitor the Korean monarch and ministers!"

Of course Sun Shaozu had heard about the Korean garrison. The person in charge at the moment was Qi Yanze, a third-rank military officer.

Although Sun Shaozu held the title of fourth rank, his actual position was as a deputy fourth rank commander.

In other words, if he replaces Qi Yanze, his actual position is likely to be promoted to a higher level.

According to his experience, he should be appointed as the deputy commander of the Andong Xingdusi, and it would be very appropriate for him to be stationed in Korea in this capacity.

After figuring this out, Sun Shaozu was naturally overjoyed in his heart, but he appeared calm on the surface.

"Your Highness, you treat me with such courtesy and respect that I truly do not deserve it..." Sun Shaozu knelt down and saluted.

"Get up, get up... I am trusted by the emperor, so I must promote talents for the country. How can I sit back and watch a talented person like you go to waste!"

"It's just that this matter has not yet been determined... Whether it succeeds or not depends on the will of the Holy One!"

"No matter success or failure, Your Majesty's kindness will be unforgettable to me!"

Seeing Sun Shaozu kneeling down again, Zhu Jinghong raised his hand and said, "Get up, get up..."

"This matter is of great importance. If the Holy Spirit is with you, I have other instructions for you!"

I was given another order, which meant that I had to do some private work...

Sun Shaozu had indeed thought very carefully, and he was also very happy to help Zhu Jinghong with his private affairs. After all, working for the court was part of his job, and working for Zhu Jinghong was a favor, and it was the bond that solidified the relationship.

"Yes!"

"You don't have any children?"

"I have been married for less than two years, and I am often away on the battlefield, so I have no children..."

"That won't do. You are young and successful now. I don't know how many people are secretly jealous of you. I'm afraid others will use this to make a fuss!"

"Do you understand what I mean?" Zhu Jinghong turned around again.

Not having a son was indeed a concern for Sun Shaozu. Seeing that Zhu Jinghong even cared about these things, he was really moved.

But the real reason was that Zhu Jinghong felt that since Sun Shaozu had no children, it would be inconvenient to control him in the future.

His thoughts were the same as when he asked Ni Er's son before.

Zhu Jinghong will try every means to control these people who are placed in important positions.

"I understand... I will be fine when I return to the capital this time..."

"You don't need to tell me these, just understand them in your heart!"

The two continued walking forward. This time, it was Zhu Jinghong who introduced the affairs of North Korea, which made Sun Shaozu realize that this task would most likely fall on him.

Even the Jinyiwei are his own people, so if he goes to Korea, wouldn’t he be a local emperor?

No, Your Highness is the uncrowned king of Joseon...Sun Shaozu quickly corrected his idea.

North Korea was arranged in this way, and it was obvious that Zhu Jinghong was going to do something. Sun Shaozu knew that he had to make his position clear and must not let this gentleman down.

Your Highness can lift me up, but can also easily pull me down...Sun Shaozu thought so.

The two talked for about two more quarters of an hour. When the sun was setting, Yu Hai came up and reported something, which made Sun Shaozu realize that it was time for him to leave.

But at the moment of parting, this guy couldn't help but say one thing.

"Your Highness, the brothers below are all looking forward to seeing you, please..."

The "brothers" that Sun Shaozu referred to were not the lowest-level soldiers, but generals of the fifth rank and above who had previously participated in combat on the northwest front.

These people were promoted because of their meritorious service to Zhu Jinghong, and now they are rotated back to serve in the Imperial Guards and the Beijing Camp, and they all want to thank Zhu Jinghong.

It’s a pity that whether last year or this year, Zhu Jinghong never saw any guests during the Chinese New Year, leaving these people only able to "sigh in despair."

"No need for that. Just focus on serving the court and don't worry too much about other things!"

"There is one more thing I want to report!"

"speak!"

"We have learned that Your Highness has won victory after victory in Korea. Now the brothers in the northwest are also looking forward to Your Highness's return to take charge of the emperor. This matter..."

Now the main force in the northwest has almost all been replaced compared to when Zhu Jinghong was in command. Even so, these people still want him to lead the troops, which shows how high his prestige is in the entire army.

Zhu Jinghong was of course happy about this fact, but at the same time he was also worried.

Such high prestige in the army was a great challenge to the imperial power, and the risk for him was extremely high.

"This matter should not be mentioned again. The appointment and dismissal of generals is decided by the emperor. How can a minister interfere?" Zhu Jinghong asked with a cold face.

Seeing that Zhu Jinghong was really angry, Sun Shaozu quickly apologized: "It was...I spoke out of turn, please forgive me, Your Highness!"

"If you have nothing else to do, just go back first...stay at home honestly these days and don't cause any trouble for yourself!"

"Yes!"

"Go!"

Sun Shaozu said goodbye and left. After a brief thought, Zhu Jinghong looked at Yu Hai and asked, "Did the princess say what it was about?"

"The princess said...Your Majesty, you will know when you go there!"

There was no other choice, Zhu Jinghong had to go there in person.

Taking Yu Hai all the way to Tongxin Hall, Zhu Jinghong found Baochai's study, where only Ying'er and Wenxing were.

"What's the matter?"

"Xiao Hong and Jia Yun will be married on the fifth day of the second month. They have both made contributions to the palace... We should treat them with more courtesy. This is the gift list I drew up. Do you think it is appropriate?"

Ying'er took the gift list and handed it to Zhu Jinghong carefully.

Sitting in the guest chair, Zhu Jinghong simply flipped through the list twice, then put it on the coffee table beside him and said, "Just take care of this matter!"

After that, he continued to ask: "You called me here... just for this matter?"

With a smile on her face, Baochai stood up from her chair, walked around the desk to the other side of the coffee table, and sat down on the chair.

"Of course not... there is another gift that needs to be handed to you personally!"

Seeing Baochai speaking mysteriously, Zhu Jinghong asked, "What is the gift?"

"Your sister Lin has sent a letter!" Baochai said, picking up the teacup.

"Hmm... Hmm? Who sent the letter? Where is it?"

In one sentence, Zhu Jinghong changed his expression and tone several times, which made Baochai burst out laughing and even sprayed out the tea.

"Look at you... I haven't seen you act like this even when the imperial edict came!"

After glancing at the desk and not seeing the letter, Zhu Jinghong turned around, took his wife's hand and stroked it, smiling and asked, "Baochai...you are my good sister, where is the letter?"

Pulling back her delicate jade hand, Baochai scolded with a smile: "Don't try to coax me with these words. How can I be your good sister!"

"Baochai... let's not talk about this for now. Where is the letter from Miss Lin?"

"Oh... I've been so busy these days, and everyone is concerned about me, I can't remember it for a moment!"

Hearing this, Zhu Jinghong stood up, walked towards Baochai and picked her up.

"I can't remember... Then I'll look for it myself. It must be on you anyway, so I'll search for it myself!"

"Ah..." Baochai screamed.

Zhu Jinghong pressed her down on the couch. After a short while, she begged for mercy and asked Ying'er to bring the letter over.

"That's good, you got what you wanted!"

Zhu Jinghong smiled, opened the letter and read it, and then the smile on his face disappeared.

Just because in this letter, Daiyu first expressed her gratitude for Baochai's care, especially for the gifts and supplements she sent during the New Year, which allowed Zhu Jinghong to witness what deep sisterly love is.

The second half of the letter did mention Zhu Jinghong, but was complaining that he was too fickle and was worried that Baochai was being wronged and bullied in the palace.

At the end of the letter, Daiyu asked Baochai to say hello to Zhu Yunsheng and Xiangyun on her behalf.

After reading the letter, Zhu Jinghong felt very uncomfortable and felt that he had given his true heart to the wrong person.

But in fact, he was basically busy with his work and rarely showed any concern for Daiyu, so it was very normal that no one mentioned him.

Of course the most important thing is that this is a letter written by Daiyu to Baochai. Daiyu herself has a sense of what to say and what not to say.

At some point, Baochai walked up to Zhu Jinghong and saw that he was dumbfounded, so she asked, "Have you finished reading?"

(End of this chapter)